June 9 Daily Devotional
Understanding Spiritual Responsibilities
“After that, he was seen of James” (1 Corinthians 15:7).
In the life of faith, understanding the roles God has for His servants is essential. The Lord’s seventh appearance after His resurrection was to James, a key apostle and spiritual leader among the early believers. James was highly respected, as seen in the book of Acts, where believers sought his guidance on important matters concerning the church (Acts 12:17; 15:13). The Lord’s appearance to James was no accident—it prepared him for a significant spiritual responsibility: leading and judging in God’s House.
This teaches us a vital lesson about spiritual leadership and responsibility within the Church community. God strengthens those He calls to bear greater burdens for His glory. Yet, many believers today attend church meetings primarily to receive—whether that be encouragement, messages, or music—without fully embracing their role in building God’s Kingdom. True Christian service, however, involves more than passive participation; it demands active involvement in serving others and advancing the gospel.
Paul’s words in Philippians echo this truth: “I count all things but loss… That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection” (Phil. 3:8, 10), and “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). To experience the fullness of Christ’s power, we must be willing to carry responsibilities for the growth of God’s House—our spiritual family.